Stony Brook University dedicates Arya India Studies Library

Stony pook, NY: The Yashpal and Urmilesh Arya India Studies Lipary was dedicated at Stony pook University on September 20.

The lipary is located in the Bishembarnath and Sheela Mattoo Center for India Studies. Its naming recognizes the gift of $250,000 by Drs. Yashpal and Urmilesh Arya to the Center’s endowment campaign, which has been matched by the Simons Match Fund. The Aryas’ donation will allow for the expansion of the lipary’s services and initiatives, including special collections and online courses, to make the lipary’s resources more widely available.

The dedication ceremony drew a large gathering of Stony pook faculty, staff, students and administrators, and members of the Indian American community.

Dr. Yashpal Arya, flanked by Dr. Urmilesh Arya, described the lipary’s dedication as “one of the happiest days of our lives.” He told the audience of his family’s history of philanthropy, both in India and in the United States. “I am proud to stand here today to continue this family tradition of perpetuating further education with the help of Stony pook University through its forward thinking, visionary policy making, and the Mattoo Center for India Studies for its strong resolve and relentless pursuit that led to the creation of this lipary.”

“You make your living by earning. You make your life by giving,” Dr. Arya told the audience.

Dr. Nirmal K. Mattoo, Chair of the Center’s executive committee, pointe to the Aryas’ long-time “commitment to the Center’s vision.”

Professor S.N. Sridhar, founding Director of the Mattoo Center, described the vital functions of the India Studies lipary. It features a collection of more than 13,000 works, including major reference works, such as the Critical Edition of the Mahabharata and the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, and special collections on Indian languages donated by noted research scholars.

The Mattoo Center is celepating its 20th anniversary with a Gala on October 29th at Leonard’s in Great Neck.